Massachusetts City Settles Suit Alleging Police Brutality

The city of Worcester has settled a federal lawsuit brought by a woman who alleged that two city police officers beat and falsely arrested her.

A city lawyer says the suit, which also alleged that police Chief Gary Gemme and City Manager Michael O’Brien were responsible for violating her constitutional rights, was settled for $80,000.

The officers involved in the alleged beating of Katie Warren in September 2006 are Mark Rojas and Kellen Smith.

The suit alleged the city knew the officers were the subjects of multiple complaints of excessive force by citizens, but were never disciplined.

The city lawyer tells The Telegram & Gazette that the settlement prohibits the parties from discussing details. The city did not admit liability in the agreement.